Preserve Art and Music in Winnetka's Public Schools

Considering that there is no cost saving in this decision, what is the reasoning? We should not be trimming programs that add value to our schools unless there is an important goal being achieved. Aligning with enrollment numbers is not a valid nor valuable goal.

The Board materials in support of this action mention that these cuts will not impact "core programs." However, it seems that school community, flexibility in meeting RtI needs, and enrichment or electives for students are dispensable. Does this square with the broader community's notion of a rich education?

I have no idea why the Board would take this sort of action when there is no significant cost savings. Taking away electives and reducing the time when children are allowed to express themselves through art and music, especially at these young ages seems to me to be a huge mistake. We all know that our children are stressed out and particularly so when they get to New Trier. Let's preserve these important elements of their education!

This decision saves no money and will eliminate or reduce some of the very programs that make a D36 education "progressive". Lets explore other options.

Art and Music programs at our schools that are strong should not be touched by our Board! Each school should have a full-time Art teacher and a full-time Music teacher. In addition, the Board must give us more dialog on significant changes affecting our children's education.

Art and music are such an important part of the curriculum.

This is not why I moved my children here.

FIne Arts and academics are equally important. We who love progressive education know that is a fact. Full time fine arts teachers are a must!

I am honestly shocked this is happening in our district. A full-time art and music program proves essential in education--and it seems like progressive education would fully understand that. Please support the arts.

Studies show the arts help children perform better academically. This should not even be a consideration.

Art and music education are essential - the robust programs at Greeley add so much to the children's experience and prepare them for the future.

Thank you for doing this. I am very concerned about the decisions and manner in which they being made. Special Ed is next on the docket. Very upsetting.

Art and music are essential components of a good education and should not be compromised to achieve short term cost savings.

Believe this change has major effects and negative impacts on the lives of our children!!

Art and Music are certainly no less important to my children's education than any other subject. At the very least, a clear explanation of the rationale for this decision is warranted.

Please support art and music as a crucial part of our progressive education curriculum.

The districts says these cuts are not financially driven, yet, their own documents attach a dollar amount to them and their presentations state they are in response to the board goal of fiscal responsibility. They claim the effects on the students will be minimal. The immediate outcome from these cuts could include a middle school art teacher and an elementary art teacher switching positions. The skills and needs of these positions are not interchangeable. Our children and teachers should not be treated like pawns on a chess board. More cuts to follow...eliminating assistant principals at Skokie & Washburne, cutting a team at Washburne, more special ed. cuts. All these cuts will have a long term, negative impact on the education our children receive.

Having a MUSICIAN that has come out of the Winnetka Public Schools System and is now a Country CHARTING artist recognized by the Country Music Association as on of the top new artists to watch in 2014- she got her foundation and roots from the strong programs of District 36. This to me is unacceptable decision on behalf of our children and community.